Moving to a New City with MS

When moving, there are a few factors to keep in mind to help you manage your MS.

By
Multiple Sclerosis Connect Staff
May 16
2,283

While relocating can be a pain for everyone, the process may be exceptionally difficult for those living with MS. Aside from the physical limitations often brought on by MS symptoms, the whole process of moving to a new city can be contingent on other factors, such as nearby health resources or local climate. People looking to change cities should consider the following facets:

Climate Control

People with MS who are contemplating moving down to a more southern region should be aware of the potential side effects that could stem from warmer climates. Heat sensitivity has long been a commonly reported symptom of MS, and while continuously being exposed to hot weather won't worsen your disease, it may aggravate your symptoms. The top five cities in the U.S. with the highest humidity are all in the south, with three of them being found in Florida while the other two are New Orleans and Houston. On the flipside, some MS patients have also reported that colder climates may trigger flare-ups, so it's important to know which types of weather conditions typically produce an effect on you.

Proximity to Health Care

Another important element to take into consideration is how close your new home will be to high-quality MS healthcare facilities. The closer you are to trusted physicians, doctors and therapists, the easier it is to receive the treatment you need. If you have to drive over an hour to get to the nearest hospital, a severe MS relapse could become even more consequential. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society features a web page where you can type in your ZIP code and find the locations of the nearest medical facilities that can treat your MS.

Transportation Accessibility

No matter how severe your current MS symptoms are, residing in a city that puts an emphasis on handicapped accessibility or public transportation is a way to make living with MS that much easier. If your MS has forced you to use a wheelchair or scooter, researching the most accessible cities in the country before moving is definitely a good idea. According to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, the top five most livable cities for wheelchair users in the U.S. are as follows:

You also need to make sure the house you're moving to is either currently wheelchair accessible or will be renovated to ensure that your mobility within your home will never be an issue.

Ease That Stress

If you're looking to avoid stress that might be a potential trigger for your symptoms of MS, finding a more laid-back environment is a good idea. According to CNN, the least-stressful cities in the U.S. are Salt Lake City, Utah; Rochester, New York; Raleigh, North Carolina; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Richmond, Virginia. Everything from having low crime to a thriving local economy to a lower cost of living may contribute to your new home providing a relaxing ambiance for you.